In addition, despite the fact that I try to find something positive about every place I visit, there are a lot of places I just didn’t connect with for whatever reason, or didn’t have enough time to visit. I think everywhere deserves more than once chance–so here are ten places I need to visit again!

Cambodia

Some real talk here: I kind of, um, hated most of my time in Cambodia (except for moments at Angkor Wat and in the Ratanakiri Province). Awful, right? After an amazing, action-packed month exploring Thailand, my cousin and I went to Cambodia and so many things went wrong. We were both really sick; we’d left our friends behind in Thailand and missed them (and their traveling skills); the endless heat and oppressive humidity was getting to me; we were there over Thanksgiving and the homesickness was out of control; and honestly, the locals seemed to harass us, hate us, lecture us, or be annoyed that we weren’t acting the way they wanted. I feel like all of these things combined together to make me hate it, and I couldn’t wait to leave. When we crossed to border into Vietnam–via a boat on the Mekong, on a visa that our couch surfing host had done incorrectly which would make us get detained later (but that’s a different story)–I let out a breath of relief. I know Cambodia is a beautiful, complicated, impoverished country, and I think I need to give it another chance.

Read more about Cambodia here. 

China

China is one of those places that, while I was there, I didn’t love it–but now that I look back, I think “WOW! What a great country!” China, partially because of the situation I was in while there (an internship working with earthquake survivors in Sichuan province) pushed my boundaries like no other, and therefore wasn’t exactly a comfortable experience. I witnessed tragedy, heartbreak, corruption, illness, confusing cultural norms–and was struck by the resilience and joy of the people, and the country itself. Oh yeah, I need to go back.

Read more about China here. 

Thailand

Unlike the Cambodia saga above, I just adored Thailand. The smiling people! The food. The diverse, gorgeous landscape. The sweaty, chaotic cities. The idyllic islands. Thailand pretty much has everything, and even though I spent a month there, I have so much left to see! Plus, E has never been, which is reason enough to return.

Read more about Thailand here. 

South America

Is it cheating to put an entire continent on here? I haven’t been to South America since I studied abroad in Peru and Ecuador in 2009. That study abroad trip was my first real time away from home, and my first solo travel, which means that a lot of my memories are overshadowed by my homesickness, my parasite (yep), my idiocy (even more yep), the reasons I left in the first place (struggles in school and relationships), and my sky-high expectations slowly crumbling beneath me. That being said, now that I’m more comfortable traveling–and (slightly) more comfortable in my skin–I would love to go back to South America. I mean, there is so much more of that giant continent to explore.

Read more about Peru here and more about Ecuador here. 

Panama

We spent only three days there on our honeymoon in 2015, on the island chain of Bocas del Toro. I…did not like it. I don’t know why. I found it overcrowded, dirty, and rather stressful. So maybe I do know why–but I have been to a lot of places that fit those criteria, and that didn’t necessarily bother me. I think the Bocas are exploding with tourism and are not equipped to handle it, and the environment is starting to suffer. It really is a beautiful corner of the world, though!

Read more about Panama here. 

Iceland

Two 17-hour layovers were not enough! Iceland has simply exploded onto the international travel scene, for good reason. I’d love to spend more time there!

Read more about Iceland here. 

Vietnam

Although I would go back to every country I visited during my tour of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea & Vietnam) the one that pulls me the most is probably Vietnam. I can’t quite put my finger on the why. It stands out in my mind as the most beautiful, but it’s also the place where, as we were traveling so quickly, my cousin and I missed a lot of gems, or just stayed for a day or two. It’s funny, because we had some visa issues and did not leave the country on good terms–but I’m still dying to go back. Or maybe that’s why, and I’m just contrary.

Read more about Vietnam here. 

Italy

Okay, I know Italy is on everyone’s bucket list or return-to list. There’s a reason Italy is one of the most visited spots in the world–and I’ve only seen a few little corners! I haven’t even been to Rome or Florence. I think I haven’t been in a rush because a) Italy is expensive; b) Italy is crowded; c) I will always want to go to Italy and d) Italy is a place I can travel to when I’m older, too. Now, this is usually the opposite of my travel philosophy–I always want to see it now, rather than later, because you just never know if you’ll get another chance, do you? Italy has been creeping higher up my list after our visit to Venice, and the fact that we have friends living all over the country. Not that Italy needs a reason to creep up anyone’s list–it is Italy, after all.

Read more about Italy here. 

Greece

I’ve told you (maybe too much) how even though it was a crazy trip, I completely loved Greece. And I’ve only been to Santorini and Athens–there is so much more to see! The combination of relaxed (sometimes too relaxed, admittedly) attitude, delicious food, ancient history, and beautiful scenery just hooks me in.

Read more about Greece here. 

France

I’ve been to Paris, and Lille, but I would love to get out of the cities and explore more of France. I’m particularly intrigued by Normandy. Truthfully, I didn’t “fall in love” with either Lille or Paris, and I think France deserves another chance! And I didn’t just choose it because it rhymed with chance! I also am part French, and like any true American, I’m eager to learn more about one of my self-assigned homelands.

Read more about France here. 

Do you have places you need to give another chance?

Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday and Faraway Files. 

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At this point in my life, I’d never lived outside of my small hometown, and had only flown once or twice by myself. Here I was, jumping on a plane all alone, heading off for six months in a country where I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know the language (although at the time I thought I was more proficient than I was!), and really, didn’t know much about the country itself. I mean, I thought that since it was winter in the northern hemisphere, it would be a warm summer in the southern hemisphere. Turns out, it’s not that simple.

My mom will tell you the story of how I was confident until I landed at Lima at 3 a.m. and called her (collect!) slightly panicking about what I had done.

Sometimes, I think, if we know now what we knew then…nothing would ever happen!

I went on to have a wonderful, difficult, exhausting, exhilarating, confusing, lovely experience in Peru. My itchy feet were hardly sated by this trip, as I’ve moved abroad twice since then, and traveled on several-month-long journeys as well.

The main reason I chose Cusco was a life-long obsession with seeing Machu Picchu. Of course, as is my norm, I waited until my next-to-last weekend to book my trip to see the famous site. At this point, the tickets on the train were sold out. Seeing my near-tears face, the ticket agent kindly told me that I could take a van. I should have taken note of her dubious face when telling me this, but instead, I happily hunted down the best deal I could find.

(Can you see where this is going?)

Not only did it include the trip there and back, it included several meals, a room in a hostel, and a round-trip up the hill to Machu Pichu itself. All for less than the train ticket! Genius, I thought!

It went on to be the most terrifying eight hours of my life, trapped in a rickety van. I spent most of the time refusing to look out my window at the sheer cliff face inches away, taking deep breaths, and avoiding the sight of the many, many waterfalls the driver boldly drove through. A lot of that eight hours was also spent on the side of the road, since tires kept going out due to the condition of the road (and the van).

That night, in my hostel room with its fifteen beds and mysteriously sticky floor, I remember being grateful to be alive–and thinking that this Machu Picchu place better be worth all this.

Well, spoiler alert:

It was.

Even to someone who loves travel as much as I do, there are still destinations that are just somehow special. Sunrise at Machu Picchu, while it comes out of the mist, and before the tour groups have arrived, surrounded by such a spectacular setting–with alpacas!–is certainly one of those places.

If I knew then what I know now, would I do it all again?

In a second.

What is one of your greatest adventures? Share and link up with Jessi, Emma, Angie or Andrea!

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It’s time for this month’s travel-themed prompt: where have you been that was unexpected in some way? Perhaps you didn’t expect it to be amazing and it blew you away? 

My unexpected destination is Lake Titicaca in Peru and Bolivia (half to the lake is in Peru, and half of it is in Bolivia–I stayed on the Peruvian half!).

Before I studied abroad in Peru, Lake Titicaca was a funny name we learned in elementary school. It is the highest navigable lake in the world, and is a sacred site to the Incas, as legend goes that their civilization sprang from the water of this lake.

Even with how well known the lake is, when I started my semester abroad in Cuzco, Lake Titicaca did not enter my radar for awhile.

If several classmates and housemates had not decided to go, I probably would not have even made it there.

I went on a whim–my host brother knew a guy who knew a guy who ran a tourism business in Puno, Peru, the main town on the Peruvian side of the lake. The tour consisted of a visit to the famous “floating islands” of the lake, a home stay on Isla Amantani, and a visit to a few other islands on the way back for scenery and history.

The tour did not start out well–we arrived in the freezing rain before the sun was even up after a long, overnight bus ride. Light started to seep into the city, but unfortunately Puno is not the prettiest Peruvian city (except for the views of the lake, which we couldn’t see yet anyway!).

As we wandered the city, avoiding piles of trash and sad stray dogs, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. It was freezing and I was soaked. When we finally hopped on our tour boat, even my underwear was wet! (TMI?).

Thankfully, the rain stopped and my socks began to dry, just as we arrived at the first island–a small little one made completely out of reeds! It was one of the famous Uros Islands, or the “floating islands” of Lake Titicaca. The floating reeds, despite being, well, floating, have solid enough roots for little villages to be built on them. I have never seen anything like it. Everything was made out of these reeds–from the little village houses to the boats they use to navigate around the islands.  

^^our first view of a floating village.  ^^you can even eat the reeds!  so multi-purpose.

^^the children were terrified of me so they ran away. But how cute, right?  ^^our last view of the island. You can climb up into this fish for a view of everything. It used to be a reed boat but is now just for decoration.^^there were tons of little guinea pigs running around. Peru’s favorite dish happens to be these little guys…or “cuy” 

From there, we took a looooooong boat ride to Isla Amantaní, where we would spend the night. The sun had come out in full force, and it was beautiful when we arrived on the island. We were greeted by our home stay families and taken to a local soccer game, where if you had the skill and the energy, they were happy to let you join in. As I had neither (and will never have the skill), I declined. Instead, I hiked up to Patchatata with another group, the highest point on the island. The views were incredible–it was suddenly so clear, we could see all the way to Bolivia!

^^my Spanish teacher Indira and a British housemate, Laura^^Bolivia!^^my main travel buddy in those days was this little guy.

On the way back, we managed to get lost (how on this tiny piece of land??) but it gave us a chance to explore the island more. The island had very little electricity (although I still saw a man walking his donkey and talking on his cell phone…so there was enough for that!) and little running water.

Prior to this trip, I had very little idea that such places still existed.  It was like going back in time–we did have nice, kind of comfortable beds, but the kitchen was a little dirt hut with a fireplace. The food was amazing, although I don’t have any idea what most of it was. They were pretty decent Spanish speakers (and mine was passable), but a lot of the food only had Quechua names, the local language with Inca roots that is still spoken by the indigenous people of Peru.

^^a local family headed to their garden.

^^the views from our host family’s house. how blue is that water??

Our home stay on this tiny island was an incredible night. After we ate (and had tons of their delicious, local herbal tea), our family took us to a local fiesta all dressed up in traditional garb. They attempted to teach me local dances, but mostly I was just spun around, trying not to fall in the heavy dress. (There may or may not have been a few clumsy incidents).

^^the group at the dance: host families and hosted travelers!^^the local garb was beautifully handmade but heavy!

After a late night, I stopped to see some of the best stars I have ever seen, out in the middle of a giant mountain lake.

It’s safe to say that Lake Titicaca surprised me in every way. I didn’t expect my delight at the floating villages, the warmth of the natives, the peace of the simple lifestyle, and the absolutely stunning views.

^^tiny doorways! I’m a giant!

Tell me…

what’s a place you’ve visited that completely surprised you? I want to hear all about it!

Each week Bonnie, Jessi, Camila and I choose one post from the previous link-up to feature. Be sure to check out their blogs to see who they chose!

This week I am spotlighting Courtney from Adelante and her amazing trip to Santorini! Santorini is at the top of my list and her magical photos make me want to get there as fast as the next flight takes me.

Ready to link up? 

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Jessi and Camila in a link! 3. LINK-UP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the co-hosts blogs, and visit around!

TIPS:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future link-ups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!

3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

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The first stop we made was C’orao, famous for its market (and also incidentally my very first introduction, ever, to hole-in-the-ground toilets). It was also here where I tested out my haggling Spanish.

We then went to Pisac, or Pisaqa by the locals, also famous for its market and this time, we visited ruins. The Pisaqa ruins were high up in those hills, and included quite a hike–worth it. The ruins include terraces, temple, and even Inca tombs. From Pisaqa, we went to Ollanaytambo (after a brief stop for two blown tires–welcome to Peru!) and ended the day in Chichero, famous for a church that was built up by the Spanish on an ancient Inca wall. That was a theme I found throughout Cuzco, too: the Spanish utilized the brilliant building of the Incas for their foundation. Today, the only structures undamaged by the unfortunately common earthquakes in the area are what is left of the Inca buildings.

Ollantaytambo features agricultural terraces used by the Incas, leading to the top of a mountain, where there is a giant rock in the shape of a puma (or mountain lion, sacred to the Incas) and several temples. At the bottom of this mountain, closer to the village, are old Inca aqueducts (which still successfully run water!), and a water temple. There was a tour guide for all of these sites, but unfortunately my Spanish was not stellar at this point, so I wasn’t able to get everything he said, but I think I got the gist.

(I guess I’ll never know, though, will I?).

In Chicero, I ended up getting lost, and missed a textile demonstration that the rest of the tour watched. I was happy to explore the little town, though, even with the constant dogging by cute little children trying to sell me finger puppets. I ended up caving and buying a small pescado (fish) puppet from an adorable little girl…one of the many times I would end up caving. What was I going to do with a fish finger puppet? Or, a finger puppet at all?

Due to our small tire mishap earlier, we ended up back in Cuzco a few hours later than planned, but I didn’t mind. It was my first weekend in Peru, and I couldn’t wait to explore more.

^my first view of the Sacred Valley, along with a local selling handiwork.^my Dalmatian sunglasses are a real fashion statement, I know. This was a few years ago, and I’ve matured, don’t worry!^ the C’orao market, complete with alpacas, because it’s the Andes, of course.^I couldn’t resist this little baby! ^the Pisaqa ruins and a huge dork.^overlooking the town of Pisac.^the bustling market at Pisac. Can you believe that view?^hiking along the Andes. ^more views of the Pisaqa ruins. ^my travel buddy, Linda, and I.  ^my other travel buddy, a tiny pink Buddha for luck. ^Ollantaytambo!

^a close-up view of the incredible Inca skills. Look at those crafted rocks! Oh, and I’m there, too.^the water temple near Ollantaytambo. ^the Andes at sunset. Wow!^Chichero. ^the sunset over Chicero and the Andes.

Linking up again for Travel Tuesday with Bonnie, Sammy, Kaelene and Van! A few days late but better late than never, right?

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Huanachaco is small, and while I was there, quiet, but it’s a huge tourism spot mostly due to the excellent surfing. I did not surf during my time there thanks to a toxic spill, I was still able to “surf” on little boats made of reeds, called caballitos. The caballitos are dragged into the waves and steered by the locals, while you hop on the back for a little ride. They are a symbol of Huanchaco and locally made, so a must if you visit! Pretty fun, too, especially if you have limited athletic ability like someone I know and may not be as successful at surfing as one might hope (ahem…).

Although I stayed with my friend’s host (a fiery older lady named Wilma), there were many hostels scattered around the town, as well as cheap, fun, and tasty bars and restaurants. I’m not going to lie, my favorite food (besides the banana daiquiris and the beer) was a guacamole burger at a little place on the beach. I think I was missing American food a little :).

Nearby Huanchaco, closer to Trujillo, we visited ruins called the Chan Chan ruins. They were nothing like the Inca ruins from southern Peru, and are leftover from an ancient civilization called the Kingdom of Chimor (the predecessors for the Moche civilization, eventually conquered by the Incas…to give you a little orientation). Chan Chan is also the largest remaining adobe city in the world, to give you an idea of the enormity–it stretches on for miles! The ruins, which are attached to a small, basic museum, are known as Peru’s versions of the pyramids. While not as impressive height-wise as the pyramids, I imagine, the city is a surprising relic in the middle of the desert.

Overall, I loved the slower pace and friendly feeling of Huanchaco, especially after the freezing rain and pace of my classes in Cuzco. While it was not the lush jungle I had been expecting–Huanchaco is a coastal desert–it is certainly beautiful, and I was happily surprised by the history of the region.

One of my favorite activities in Huanchaco was sitting on the beach and watching the sunsets with a beer. As my pictures will show you, I saw some of the most spectacular sunsets of my life in Huanchaco. I loved being on the beach again in general, which is why I ended up with the worst sunburn of my life. If there is one thing I’ve learned…USE SUNSCREEN (trust me, on the sunscreen!).

{views of the coast / my temporary host family / riding the waves / in the caballito! / a night / Che Che everywhere / me and Linda / best sunsets! / me and my little travel buddy (toy) / I’m telling, these sunsets were special / the ruins of Chan Chan}

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I was lucky enough to study abroad for several months in the city of Cuzco, in Peru, well known as the stopping-off point of Macchu Picchu, as well as a UNESCO Heritage site in it’s own right, and the former capital of the Incan empire. During my time there, I traveled all around the area, but I loved just wandering around the city. As my first trip to a developing country, some of it was shocking for me–the piles of trash, the begging children, the dilapidated buildings. Even with this reality-check and the resulting homesickness, it’s a beautiful, beautiful city. It’s also full of history, ringed by the incredible Andes, full of red-and-tan buildings, skinny cobble-stoned alleys, and ancient Incan architecture around every corner. And those Spanish cathedrals! Talk about a photo opportunity. I highly recommend you give yourself a few days in Cuzco, even if you were just planning on hitting up Macchu Picchu. If you can, stay right on the Plaza de Armas, drink a Pisco Sour, and dance the night away at the many discotheques.

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